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Texas Drivers Handbook

Chapter 13: Bicycle Vehicle Laws and Safety


Bicycle Traffic Laws

Statute:

Texas Transportation
Code, Section 551.103

A bicycle is a vehicle. Any person riding a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities that apply to a
driver operating a vehicle unless it cannot by its nature apply to a person operating a bicycle.
Any person who operates a bicycle is subject to the same penalties for violating a traffic law as is a person
operating a motor vehicle. All traffic convictions will be placed on the individuals driver record, regardless
if the conviction was for an offense committed on a bicycle or in a motor vehicle.
Do:
1. A bicyclist should always obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. Never ride opposite the flow of
traffic. Stop at all stop signs and stop at red lights.
2. A person operating a bicycle on a one-way road with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as
near as possible to the left curb or edge of the road.
3. Individuals who are riding two abreast shall not impede the normal reasonable flow of traffic on the
road. Individuals riding two abreast on a laned road must ride in a single lane.
4. Bicyclists may ride on the shoulder of the road.
5. Bicyclists may signal a right turn using either their left arm pointing up or their right arm pointed
horizontally.
6. A person operating a bicycle on a road moving slower than the other traffic shall ride as near as
possible to the right curb or edge of the road unless:
a. The person is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
b. The person is preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway;
c. There are unsafe conditions in the road such as fixed or moving objects, parked or moving
vehicles, pedestrians, animals, potholes, or debris; or
d. The person operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is:
- Less than 14 feet in width and doesnt have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or
- The lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side.
Dont:
1. No bicycle shall be used to carry more than the number of individuals it is designated or equipped
for.
2. No person riding a bicycle shall attach the same or himself to a streetcar or vehicle upon a road.
3. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents him/her
from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
4. Only ride upon or astride a permanent and regular seat.

Shared Lane Marking


The shared lane marking may be used to:
1. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to
reduce the chance of a bicyclists impacting the open door of a parked vehicle;
2. Assist bicyclists with lateral position in lanes too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel
side by side within the same traffic lane;
3. Alert road users of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to occupy within the traveled way;
4. Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists; or
5. Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling.

Bicycles Must Be Properly Equipped


1. Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked
wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
2. Hearing-impaired bicycle riders may display a safety flag.
Chapter 13: Bicycle Vehicle Laws and Safety

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Texas Drivers Handbook


3. Every bicycle in use at nighttime shall be equipped with:
a. A lamp on the front which emits a white light visible at a distance of at least 500 feet to the
front of the bicycle;
b. A red, DPS-approved reflector on the rear must be visible from distances of 50 feet to 300 feet.
(A red light on the rear visible from a distance of 500 feet may be used in addition to the red
reflector.)

Bicycle Safety Guidelines


1. It is highly suggested bicycle riders wear an approved bicycle helmet.
2. When riding on pedestrian facilities, reduce speed and exercise caution.
3. Do not weave in and out of parked cars.
4. Move off of the street to stop, park, or make repairs to your bicycle.
5. A bicyclist should select a route according to the persons own bicycling skill and experience.
6. It is not required by law but bicycles should be equipped with a mirror.

Riding in Wet Weather


Water makes certain surfaces slick. Be aware of manhole covers and painted stripes on the road. Water also
obscures some hazards. Watch for potholes filled with water. In addition, the visibility of motorists is greatly
decreased in wet weather. Wear highly visible clothing when riding a bicycle.

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Chapter 13: Bicycle Vehicle Laws and Safety

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